THERE is a possibility, of course, that Roy Keane has burned his boats with Manchester United. If that turns out to be the case, his epitaph will read `One Rant Too Many'.

THERE is a possibility, of course, that Roy Keane has burned his boats with Manchester United. If that turns out to be the case, his epitaph will read `One Rant Too Many'.

Although I would defend to the hilt his right to express an honestly-held opinion, it wasn't very clever of the Reds skipper to be so fiercely critical of his team-mates in the interview with MUTV which never saw the light of day.

Some opinions are not for public consumption. Better said face-to-face, or maybe not said at all. But that's Keano, isn't it? He is to tact and diplomacy what Colonel Sanders is to the society for the preservation of chickens.

He just can't help it. Keane calls it as he sees it. Great for puncturing a few over-inflated egos, but not exactly guaranteed to endear him to his employers.

You can understand perfectly how rattled the shakers and movers behind the scenes at Old Trafford have been since Keane's dim view of his comrades became hot news.

Would they be risking open revolt from those offended `super-stars' if the outspoken Irishman is selected for first-team duty when he recovers from his foot injury in around two weeks time?

Action

That is a question which only time will answer. But I know what I would do if I was in Sir Alex Ferguson's shoes. I would send Keane into action right now - plaster cast and all.

And if those players with bruised egos don't like it, I'd tell them to go and take a running jump.

Because a Keane on one leg is better than no Keane at all.

And if you want to know one of the principal reasons for United's descent to skid row look no further than the injury-enforced absence of a captain who speaks his mind. Without him out there on the pitch, Fergie's team is like a ship without a rudder. The team has no-one to show them where they are going or to change tack when the water gets choppy.

United are fortunate to have a manager like Alex Ferguson. His achievement record speaks for itself. But not even Fergie can be both manager AND player.

A manager's influence during the 90 minutes of a football match is minimal at best and often non-existent. How could it be any different? He's out there beyond the touchline, not making tackles in midfield.

This is where Keane is so sorely missed when he's sidelined. He is Ferguson's voice out there on the pitch. He bullies and he cajoles. He praises and he curses. Some of the weaker characters in the United team might despise him for it whereas the truth is they should thank him for it.

Keane may have all the diplomacy of a charging rhino but that shouldn't disguise the fact that he's a born leader of men. And if there is one lesson to be learned from the recent disastrous displays it's that without that leadership on the pitch, United are there for the taking. Don't take my word for it. Ask Middlesbrough. Ask Lille.

How will those players who took a tongue-lashing from their captain react when, and if, Keane returns to first-team duty? Of that I have no way of knowing. But I would advise them to get out of the kitchen if they can't stand the heat.

Solution

Those players should take Keane's criticism like men. Because if they feel that Keane's remarks were not merited, then they are deluding themselves.

If those players who appear to believe they are the best thing since sliced bread cannot be made to realise that they have to earn the privilege of wearing the red shirt, then there is only one solution, the exit door.

Keane, I'm willing to bet, will have been deeply unhappy that his interview with MUTV was canned by someone further up the food chain at Old Trafford.

He had a message to get out and he wanted that message to be heard by United supporters. He cares about his club.

He will push his aching legs that extra yard for his club. And quite clearly he wanted to aim a shot across the bows of team-mates who don't share that passion and commitment.

Anyone with the best interests of United at heart should be hoping that Keane hasn't burned his boats at Old Trafford.